Good Choices

Today's Scripture

"God is more pleased when we are just and fair than when we give him gifts." (Proverbs 21:3)

Today's Word

Because we are human, it is easy for us to let our choices be ruled by our emotions or to become impatient with God's timing. Many times we are even tempted to compromise what we believe in just because it feels good. It takes tremendous courage to choose what is right. But that's the great thing about it—God can give us all the courage we need for those important choices! Because we are new creations in Christ, those old ways of thinking don't have a hold on us anymore. We are free to choose for Him! You can choose the people you're going to associate with, the things you feed into your mind—and how you see yourself. The choices you're making right now will determine the kind of person you'll be, so ask God today to help you make the right choices, especially those that take courage to make.

A Prayer for Today

God, You give me the wisdom and courage to make good choices, even when I may be tempted to take the easy way out. Through You I have the ability to shape my future for good by the decisions I make today. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Your choice determines your outcome

Today's Scripture

"Where is the man who fears the Lord? God will teach him how to choose the best." (Psalm 25:12)

Today's Word

One of the best ways to draw closer to God and listen to that "still, small voice" of His Spirit is simply to spend time reading the Bible. Why not decide today to make that a priority? Get involved in a Bible-believing church in your area where you can fellowship with friends who also want to serve the Lord. They can and will encourage you in living a life of excellence. The more time you spend with God and with His people, the more familiar you will become with His voice. Learn to live according to the leading's and the inner prompting's of the Holy Spirit. Accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior is most important! Then, realize that God has planned out your days for good and not for evil (Jeremiah 29:11). Take confidence that the Lord will help you distinguish right from wrong, and make the right choice every time.

A Prayer for Today

God, I want to know You more intimately. I know that You give me opportunities to draw closer to You; I will act on those opportunities by reading Your Word and having fellowship with Your people. Help me to discern the right choice in the situations I face, so I can make decisions that please You. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Decisions, Decisions, Decisions!

Today's Scripture

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Today's Word

Happiness and contentment start with making wise choices. Making the right choice can put you on a path to the abundance, blessing and favor God has in store for you. He has provided everything we need to make wise decisions, and every single day He gives us opportunities to make good choices that will bless us and give us victory in our new life. The average person makes over 2,500 decisions each day. Many of those decisions don't have a huge impact. But, you would be amazed by how many important choices we make each day that can greatly affect our future. Our decisions help determine whether or not we will be over-comers in life. Begin today, to make wise decisions that honor God.

A Prayer for Today

God, thank You for giving me the ability to make wise decisions daily so that I may honor You and experience Your blessing. I pray for Your wisdom to make good choices. Thank You for giving me so many great opportunities to live in victory. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Words Can Pollute or Purify

Today's Scripture
"Let no foul or polluting language come out of your mouth." (Ephesians 4:29)

Today's Word

Your words have the power to pollute or purify. When you complain, you are releasing poison into your life. Complaining is not based on your circumstances, it's based on the attitude of your heart. If you will keep the right attitude during your time of adversity, God will honor you. When you truly trust God there are times you will have unanswered questions – don't let that keep you from fulfilling your destiny. When you have a heart full of gratitude, it leaves no room for complaining. You can always find something to thank God for, no matter what kind of adversity you may face in life.

Decide today to live a life of thanksgiving! The positive, encouraging words you speak will open the door to all God has for you!

A Prayer for Today

God, I believe in the power of the spoken word. When I am tempted to complain or speak negative words today, I will listen to that quiet voice inside me that tells me to hold them back. I will spend a quiet minute meditating on what I have to be thankful for and adjust my attitude so my words today reflect my joy. In Jesus' name, Amen.

True Power

Today's Scripture

"By this shall all men know that you're My disciples when you have love for one another." (John 13:35)

Today's Word

People aren't going to know we're His disciples by how many times we come to church or how many scriptures we can quote or by who is right and who is wrong. People aren't going to know we're His disciples by the denomination we belong to or by the position we hold. People will know we're His disciples by the love we show one another.

The enemy tries to bring division throughout the Body of Christ by keeping us focused on our differences. When we're critical and judgmental, we build walls that separate us. The Bible says in Ephesians 4:13, "We need to come together in the unity of faith." There's great power in unity! We can do a whole lot more together, as born-again believers, than we can do apart. Let's decide to lay down our differences and come together in the unity of our faith in Jesus Christ.

A Prayer for Today

God, allow the love of Christ to flow through me. I want to be a beacon of love and forgiveness-just as Christ came here to be. Remind me that when I hurt others, I also hurt You. God, use me to unify your family of faith! In Jesus' name - Amen.

Real Satisfaction

Today's Scripture

"Happy are those who long to be just and good, for they shall be completely satisfied." (Matthew 5:6)

Today's Word

Every important relationship you have been given should be an opportunity to ask yourself, "How can I keep this person's emotional tank full?" Try to discover what the people around you need. People have different ways they express and receive love. We all have different kinds of needs and different ways that these needs are best met. These differences are part of what make our relationships exciting and fulfilling! Take the time to find out what your mate needs and how you can best meet those needs. Not only will this work in marriage, but in every other relationship of your life. You'll grow closer to your children, have more meaningful and fulfilling friendships, help build a better community and find that your life takes on a new dimension and purpose when you focus on caring for others.

A Prayer for Today

God, I thank You for thinking so much of us. You loved us enough to give us everything. Give me strength so that I may look to fill the emotional tanks of others around me. Thank You for putting these special people in my life. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Keys to living a fulfilled life

Today's Scripture

"Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the LORD our Maker; for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care." (Psalm 95:6)

Today's Word

One key to living a fulfilled life is spending time in worship. The Bible teaches us to worship the Lord throughout the day, every day. Whether you're at home, work, the bus stop or the ball game, take time to worship God for who He is and thank Him for all the blessings He has given you. Another key is spending time each day in the Word. Your Bible is the best tool you have for discovering your God-given purpose! It will tell you who you are, what you have and what you can do. Remember, God has plans to prosper you and as you walk in His plan for your life, you will experience His abundant blessing on everything you set your hand to!

A Prayer for Today

God, thank You for the purposeful plan You have for my life. Thank You for giving me the strength to guard my heart by staying in an attitude of worship. Help me stay focused on Your Word and Your will for my life. In Jesus' name. Amen.

The good life

Today's Scripture

"For the Lord grants wisdom! His every word is a treasure of knowledge and understanding." (Proverbs 2:6)

Today's Word

The Bible says that God predestined us that we should live the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us. We have to choose to experience that life of abundance and blessing that He has planned for us. This is true for you no matter what you have gone through in the past. The exciting thing is that you don't have to follow those old ways anymore! The key is simply to listen to God's wisdom and choose to obey it. God gives good sense to the godly. He shows us how to distinguish right from wrong, how to make sound, wise decisions . . . and bloom according to His plan into a brand new life.

A Prayer for Today

God, thank You that You want to bless me, and that You prearranged a wonderful and fulfilling life for all of those seek You. I am so thankful that I'm able to look ahead and be excited about what lies in front of me. Give me strength to listen to Your voice and obey it. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Just The Way I Am

Today's Scripture

"I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself." (I Corinthians 4:3)

Today's Word

You are anointed to be the person God has called you to be! The enemy may try to make you think you have to conform to the opinions of others, but if you are secure in who God made you, you can resist those outside demands and pressures that try to mold you into something you're not. Don't rely on the opinions and approval of others. Don't let them steal your unique creativity. God made each of us with a different purpose. As you continue to grow in your relationship with the Lord, through prayer, worship, and fellowship, you will gain confidence in the Lord that will free you from the opinions of man, and allow you to be who God called you to be!

A Prayer for Today

God, I want to live for your approval alone. I need to feel your strength when I feel tempted to change who I am to conform to this world. Please help me to remember that You love me just the way I am! In Jesus' name - Amen.

New Life in all you do

Today's Scripture

"Shout with joy to God, all the earth!" (Psalms 66:1)

Today's Word

I want to share with you three simple things you can do each day that will breathe new life into everything you do. First you have to declare your faith and use your words to change your situation. You should declare with a greater determination: "God is turning things around for my good and His glory!"Next, write down the good things that God does for you each day. Begin to focus on the victories and blessings in your life. When you make an account of His goodness, you will quickly discover that He is working in you "to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think" (Ephesians 3:20).Finally, be thankful. Take a moment every day to thank the Lord for all He has done for you. When you develop a thankful heart, you are changing your focus from how big your problems are to how big your God is!

A Prayer for Today

God, I praise You for your life-changing power and unconditional love. I want to give new life to my relationship with You by keeping a record of blessings and answered prayers and giving thanks for Your work in my life. In Jesus' Name – Amen.

You can improve any relationship in your life

Today's Scripture

"In humility consider others better than yourselves." (Philippians 2:3)

Today's Word

You can improve your relationship with anyone, your spouse, a child, brother or sister, neighbor or even your boss! It starts with creating an atmosphere of peace in your relationships. Sometimes we feel we just can't get along with certain people. But God puts us with people who are different from us on purpose. They have a lot to give us if we'll just seek to understand them. We have to focus on meeting their needs, filling their "emotional tank," instead of just looking for what they can do for us. If you do these things, your life will be much richer. You'll resolve conflict quicker. You'll be able to more easily overlook each other's faults and be more forgiving. You'll be content and satisfied in life.

And don't worry, God hasn't forgotten about your own needs. Because God is faithful, He will pour out His favor and abundance into your own life even while you are focused on blessing others!

A Prayer for Today

God, thank You for giving me my family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, and all of the people You have put in my life. Help me to appreciate each one as a unique person with something valuable to teach me and share with me. Help me to learn from them, and make it a priority to do whatever I can to meet their needs. Thank You for Your promise that as I focus on others, I will also be blessed and grow in my relationship with them and with You. In Jesus' Name – Amen.

The joy-filled life is as easy as 1, 2, 3

Today's Scripture

"I have come that you may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance to the full, till it overflows." (John 10:10)

Today's Word

God wants you to have joy in your life — an abundance of joy! Real joy is knowing you are right where God wants you to be, sometimes regardless of your circumstances. Joy comes from seeing yourself the way God sees you — full of potential, with a divine destiny. You can begin today to experience a life filled with joy if you'll take a few simple steps. First, to really enjoy life slow down and appreciate the journey! One of Satan's tricks is to get us so focused on the future that we can't enjoy the present. Second, lighten up. Learn to laugh. It's a wonderful gift from God to help us more fully enjoy life. Third, be positive. The Bible says in Isaiah 61:3 to put on "a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair." You can choose to praise even in life's difficult situations. Reach for the joy God has waiting for you!

A Prayer for Today

God, I know that You want me to enjoy the abundant life You have provided for me through Jesus. Help me to slow down and enjoy the journey, and not get caught in the fast pace of life. I want to enjoy the stage of life I'm in, even if things aren't going well. Today, with Your help I will put on the garment of praise and look for the good in life. Thank You for putting Your supernatural joy inside of me. In Jesus' Name – Amen.

Behind the scenes

Today's Scripture

"Fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." (2 Corinthians 4:18)

Today's Word

The first step in moving forward into a fresh future is forgetting the disappointments of yesterday. No matter what people have done to you, or how unfair life has been, God is able to bring you out stronger than before. God wants the rest of your life to be more blessed than the first part—greater, in fact, than anything you could ever imagine. Unfortunately, too many people quit believing for more when they face tough times. They quit expecting anything good to happen. The truth is, our hardships and trials are really opportunities for us to go higher.

Whatever struggles you're going through right now, no matter how large or small . . . they are subject to change. Nothing may look right in your life today, but it's all subject to change. God is working behind the scenes on your behalf!

A Prayer for Today

God, I feel at peace with my situation knowing You are behind the scenes, preparing a fantastic future for me. I am going to let go of the past and believe for more blessing and abundance in the days to come. In Jesus' Name – Amen.

Overflowing joy!

Today's Scripture

"I have come that you may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance to the full, until it overflows." (John 10:10)

Today's Word

Imagine what you would do if someone told you that there was a special gift waiting for you at the top of the stairs and all you had to do is walk up a few steps and you could have it. It would not take you very long to get up those steps, would it?

At the top of those stairs are all of God's promises and plans for your life. All you have to do is walk up the stairs and you can possess all that He has in store for you. But you have to do your part. You have to take the steps necessary in order to take hold of the promises that are waiting for you. God wants us to slow down, be ourselves, lighten up and laugh more, stay positive (no matter what happens), refuse to worry and live to give. As you step out in faith, God will move on your behalf and you will begin to experience that abundant overflowing joy!

A Prayer for Today

God, Today I step toward the joy you offer me. I will live a life that glorifies You and begin to see myself as You see me—full of potential with a divine destiny! In Jesus' Name – Amen.

You shall reap!

Today's Scripture

"In due season, you shall reap if you faint not." (Galatians 6:9)

Today's Word

God has a due season in store for all of you! The Bible doesn't say you might reap, it says "you shall reap"–if you don't give up. In order to reach your due season or harvest of blessing, you must continue to believe God's Word and confess His promises daily. You are the only one who knows what God has placed in your heart, and the evidence of that is what comes out of your mouth. It's as if you are in a courtroom and the enemy is your accuser but the Holy Spirit is your advocate. Your testimony will prove that you are standing strong on God's Word!

I send you the love of the Lord and declare that it's time for your due season!

A Prayer for Today

God, I won't give up! I will patiently wait for the blessings that You have in store for me. I trust that Your timing is perfect. Meanwhile, I will honor You with the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart. In Jesus' Name – Amen.

Be future focused!

Today's Scripture

"The Lord's compassions never fail. They are new every morning." (Lamentations 3:22-23)

Today's Word

God promises you new mercies each morning. That means even though you may have done something last week that you're not proud of, you don't have to carry that around with you. You simply need to receive God's mercy and forgiveness today and go on.

Dream a new dream. God still has great things in store for you. But you have to do your part and keep pursuing it. Keep believing for God's best. Don't settle for second best, not good enough, or barely getting by. God wants to give you the very best for the brightest future you could possibly imagine!

A Prayer for Today

God, I thank You for burying my past in the sea of Your forgetfulness and forgiveness. I'm asking for Your fresh mercies today. I'm asking You to pour out Your favor and blessings on my life. In Jesus' Name – Amen.

God has big plans for you

Today's Scripture

"For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11)

Today's Word

If God had a refrigerator, your picture would be on it! He could have lived anywhere in the universe, but He chose to live in your heart. You are His most prized possession, and He has an unbelievable future planned for you.

God wants you to be free today. He is asking you to forget the past and start fresh with Him today. Stop beating yourself up over your past mistakes. Quit thinking that you don't deserve anything good. You are a child of the Most High God. So start living today, and begin seeing yourself the way God sees you, like the champion He created you to be.

A Prayer for Today

God, I imagine You smiling down on me. I confess with boldness that I am Your child and that You have a future filled with joy, hope, and blessings planned for me. In Jesus' Name – Amen.

You are favored

Today's Scripture

"And the angel said, 'Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you." (Luke 1:28)

Today's Word
Did you know that as a child of God, you are highly favored? No matter what you may have done in the past, as soon as you make Jesus Christ your Lord and Savior, you have favor with God! Mary didn't understand how or why she had God's favor, or what that favor was for. At that moment, she didn't know that she was chosen as a pure and holy vessel to bring Christ to the world. Friend, you have God's favor for the very same reason as Mary–because God chose you and made you a pure and holy vessel to bring Christ to your home, workplace, and even the world.

A Prayer for Today

God, I am blessed to be highly favored! There are friends, co-workers, even family members who need to hear Your message. God, You can count on me to share Your Word with the world. In Jesus' Name – Amen.